BET Networks is breaking new ground with hot programming now available on iTunes Store

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com)--The decision by BET Networks, the world’s most powerful brand in Black entertainment, to make its hit television programming available for download and purchase on the iTunes store (www.itunes.com) is generating lots of buzz with consumers. BET’s new crime docu-drama "American Gangster" is one of the 10 most-downloaded cable TV shows on iTunes, and has garnered a four out of five star rating from iTunes users.

"American Gangster" is also a runaway hit on BET with an explosive November debut that made it the network’s #1 original series telecast ever during the fourth quarter of any year. It is also this quarter’s #1 weekday original series on cable among Black households, with more than one million Black homes tuning in for new episodes on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Narrated by multi-talented actor Ving Rhames, "American Gangster" chronicles the rise and fall of the country’s most notorious Black criminals and the terrible toll their actions levied on the Black community.

"We are delighted that BET programming is now available on iTunes as an important element in BET’s global digital strategy," said BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra Lee. "As the world’s most popular digital download store, iTunes is a key platform for serving our existing audience of African American media super-consumers, and for introducing our breakthrough programming franchises to other audiences."

Along with "American Gangster," BET offerings on iTunes feature star-studded and highly-"Lil’ Kim Countdown to Lockdown;" "DMX: Soul of a Man;" "Beef: The Series;" "BET Comic View;" and from BET’s adult-targeted companion channel BET J, "The Christies: Committed."

These BET shows can be purchased and downloaded for $1.99 per episode, and represent the first wave of BET content that will make its way to the iTunes store: